NI Business Groups Host Largest Ever Economy Event At Westminster

05 September 2018

Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster and Manufacturing NI have joined forces to co-host a Northern Ireland economy reception at the House of Commons. Over 200 MPs, Peers, Diplomats and local business owners are attending the reception, which is said to be one of the largest ever Northern Ireland events at Westminster.

“For too long businesses have been thwarted by outdated legislation, increasing rates, soaring energy prices and high employment policy costs. It’s time the government created an enabling taxation and regulatory environment for businesses in order to help them grow. Crucially, we need to see modernisation of our licensing laws, a reduction of Tourism VAT, abolution of APD and the introduction of Tourism Enterprise Zones where specific incentives are developed with the aim of doubling the GDP of tourism in Northern Ireland.”

“Business owners west of the Bann should be given the same opportunities as their eastern-counterparts. It’s as simple as that.”

“Many businesses west of the Bann are still dealing with slower broadband speeds, poor road networks and a general lack of infrastructure and tourism development in this area. We want Westminster to step in and balance the playing field.”

“We fully support City Deals for Belfast and Derry/Londonderry but we also need to ensure our rural towns get a fair deal by Government introducing a Rural Town Investment Fund.”

“We’re adamant that Brexit cannot have negative consequences on trade in these parts, especially in border areas. It is imperative that Westminster guarantees the protection of free movement of people, goods and services from RoI to the UK and vice versa and that Northern Ireland is positioned as an important bridge between the UK and the rest of the EU post March 2019.”

To reinforce the importance of connectivity to business success, Wednesday evening’s reception was sponsored by Flybe, Belfast International Airport and London City Airport.